Two identical blocks rest on identical horizontal tables

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics

Problem

Two identical blocks rest on identical horizontal tables. For block A, the coefficient of static friction is

\mu_{s,A}=0.60

. For block B it is

\mu_{s,B}=0.30

. No other forces act horizontally. Which statement correctly compares the graphs of static friction magnitude

F_{f,s}

versus applied horizontal force

F_{\text{app}}

for the two blocks? (a) Block A’s graph has a steeper initial slope than block B’s because

\mu_{s,A}

is larger. (b) Neither graph shows a region of slope 1; both begin flat until

F_{\text{app}}

equals

\mu_s F_n

. (c) Both graphs start as lines of slope 1, but block A’s graph reaches its maximum at a larger

F_{\text{app}}

than block B’s. (d) Block B’s graph reaches a larger maximum static friction because its

\mu_s

value produces less slip.